Mayor Ed Gainey is calling on the PIAA to more thoroughly investigate racism after allegations of racist signs and social media posts targeting Westinghouse.
In a statement, Gainey said the incident is just one example of the league failing to adequately respond.
After defeating Westinghouse in the PIAA final, Southern Columbia players posted a TikTok celebrating the win with audio using a racial slur.
Signs from a pep rally were later posted to social media that said "Whip Westinghouse" and "Southern State of Mind."
The district announced Monday evening they are implementing social training programs and disciplined the student responsible for the TikTok.
Southern Columbia’s statement explains the “Whip Westinghouse” sign was not mean to “carry racial connotations.”
They also point out how a similar video was posted by 3A PIAA State Champions Belle Vernon after their victory.
Kenneth Williams, Superintendent for Belle Vernon School District tells KDKA Radio, he found out about their incident over the weekend and were able to identify who was responsible shortly after.
The player(s) responsible will face suspension and will need to participate in a group session of understanding.
Williams says the five second incident is disappointing to the team and the community and that they will use the situation as a teaching moment, who he says are better than that but still just kids.